US Masters increases 36-hole cut to 50 players

More players will be around for the final two days of this year's Masters

More players will make the halfway cut in the Masters this year after Augusta National chairman Billy Payne announced changes to the system used for 50 years.

Since 1962, the top 44 players and those tied for 44th after 36 holes have made the cut, but that will be increased to 50 and ties this week. Any player within 10 shots of the lead will also still qualify.

With more players qualifying for the Masters by winning PGA Tour events, Payne also announced that only the top 12 from this year will earn invitations to return to Augusta next year - down from the current 16.

And only the top four from the 2013 US Open will earn invites instead of the current top eight.